Art Director

Summary

Join Local Kitchens, a fast-casual restaurant brand, as their Art Director to lead the creative function of the marketing team. You will own all aspects of design and creative direction, from concept to execution, ensuring creative assets align with the brand vision. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on design work across various platforms. You'll be the driving force behind visual storytelling, collaborating with the marketing team and external vendors. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for food, design, and brand storytelling. Local Kitchens offers the opportunity to shape a brand redefining the restaurant industry and work with an innovative team and exciting chefs.

Requirements

• 8+ years of design experience, ideally in design, branding, or an in-house creative role
• Experience working in the restaurant industry with general knowledge of design for food & beverage
• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of work across digital, print, and brand design
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) Figma, and other relevant design tools
• A strategic thinker with a strong creative vision and the ability to translate business goals into compelling visuals
• Highly detail-oriented with a deep understanding of typography, color, and layout
• Ability to own projects from concept to execution and manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines
• Expert knowledge of the business side of design
• Stellar communication, presentation, problem-solving and project-management skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction for all marketing and brand design initiatives
• Conceptualize and execute compelling visual assets across digital, print, social, email, packaging, and in-store signage
• Shape brand standards and create procedures to ensure all creative assets align with brand identity, tone and voice
• Collaborate closely with the marketing team, internal stakeholders, and external vendors/agencies to create engaging campaigns that drive brand awareness and customer engagement
• Translate strategic objectives into impactful, on-brand visuals that connect with our audience
• Own the end-to-end creative strategy for all photoshoots and brand storytelling production
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external vendors/agencies to bring creative projects to life
• Lead pre-production planning, including shot lists, creative direction, and styling, and on-site creative direction for shoots—collaborating with brand, photographers, videographers, and food stylists to execute high-quality visuals
• Oversee and art direct on-site photoshoots, ensuring a cohesive brand aesthetic
• Develop compelling, narrative-driven content that captures the essence of our food, chefs, and brand
• Direct brainstorming meetings and creative sessions with the marketing team and cross-functionally
• Ensure all assets are optimized for multiple platforms and marketing channels
• Stay ahead of design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to keep our brand fresh and innovative

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with motion graphics, video editing, or UI/UX design is a plus

Benefits

• You’ll have the opportunity to shape the creative direction of a brand redefining the restaurant industry
• You’ll work with an innovative team
• You’ll collaborate with some of the most exciting chefs in the industry
• You’ll make an impact in a company that’s growing fast